Six Gondo football players from last year’s phenomenal team are currently playing Division 1 college football. Last year’s team finished 13-1, and then were Western League Champs along with being runners-up in the Los Angeles City Championship Finals. The 2003 Gondo football team was also ranked 10th in Southern California by the L.A. Times.

Quarterback Beau Davis is a Nebraska Cornhusker. Safety Mesphin Forrester is a Washington Husky along with nose tackle Erick Lobos. Tailback Byron Ellis is at the University of Colorado. Wide receiver Ryan Graves is attending UCLA, where his team finished by giving the number one ranked USC a great challenge on Dec. 4. Lastly, wide receiver Gerold Rodriguez is at the University of Arizona.

“These six individuals are not only outstanding student-athletes, they are great people as well,” said Venice Coach Gifford Lindheim.



“Each of these players give something special to their respective programs,” he said.

On Oct. 9, Nebraska Quarterback Beau Davis got a chance to show his skills against the Red Raiders of Texas Tech. These were Davis’ first snaps of his college career. Sadly, they did not go as well as he would have liked during the game. Davis threw three interceptions and fumbled once. Davis said by phone that college football is a big jump from high school. Everyone is more physically toned and bigger and it’s a lot of fun being with guys from all over the country and traveling around the United States. He also explained that players get free gear and anything they need. If you ask, you will receive, he said.

When asked about living alone, Davis said that it was harder than he thought, but football keeps him pretty occupied since he explained it’s like a “job.” On the issue of traveling to games, Davis said that it’s very difficult being on the road and having to take homework along with you, because it’s hard to concentrate when you just want to enjoy the trip enjoy the time you have with your teammates.

University of Colorado tailback Byron Ellis has been able to participate in many plays this season. The Buffs of Colorado played in the Houston Bowl on Dec. 29 against University of Texas El Paso at Reliant Stadium in Houston. To be Big XII Conference champions is a “sweet feeling,” said Ellis. Colorado ended their season on a high note by defeating the Miners of University of Texas-El Paso in the Houston Bowl with a score of 33-28. “ Winning in college is so important because in college, preparation for the game is crucial. By winning, it shows that all of the weeks of preparations paid off in a victory, he noted.

Any college winning a bowl game is a huge deal to that university and its players, but when it’s your first year at the school and you have a chance to play in a bowl game and win, it’s a blessing. “We ended our year as a team on a high note,” Ellis said.

“College life is a big jump from high school,” Ellis said. It’s so busy, there’s always something going on, and on top of that I have practice and homework and tons of reading.”

When asked whether student-athletes are treated differently in the classroom, he said that some professors are really helpful and they understand about being on the road and having practice, so they adjust assignments so that they are able to turn it in when it is needed. Other professors, however, strongly dislike athletes, and those professors are not willing to adjust to the fact that they have practice and games, Ellis said. Nevertheless, Ellis said, “I love where I am, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”